The packages are actually piling up at BNSciFi HQ these days as publishers inundate us having a final push of titles releasing just in time for your holiday gifting needs, not to mention a book or two we can look forward to in 2017. Let’s take a glance as well as also also see what showed up This kind of week.

Take Back the Sky, by Greg Bear (December 20, 2016) Marooned beneath the icy, waxy crust of Saturn’s moon, Titan, Skyrine Michael Venn as well as also also his comrades face double danger coming from Earth as well as also also coming from the Antagonists, both intent on wiping out their growing awareness of what the helpful alien Gurus are actually doing in our solar system. Haunted by their dead as well as also also by the ancient archives of our Bug ancestors, the former combatants must currently team up with their enemies, forget their indoctrination as well as also also their training, as well as also also journey far beyond Pluto to the fabled Planet X, the Antagonists’ home world, a Sun-Planet inside the comet-generating Kuiper belt. This kind of’s here that will Master Sergeant Venn will finally understand his destiny as well as also also the destiny of every intelligent being inside the solar system-including the enigmatic Gurus.

Universal Harvester, by John Darnielle (February 7, 2017)Jeremy works at the Video Hut in Nevada, Iowa, inside the late 1990s. This kind of’s a job, quiet as well as also also predictable, as well as also also This kind of gets him out of the house, where he lives with his dad as well as also also where they both try to avoid missing Mom, who died six years ago in a car wreck. although when a local schoolteacher comes in to return her copy of Targets—an old movie, starring Boris Karloff—she has an odd complaint: “There’s something on This kind of,” she says, although doesn’t elaborate. Two days later, a different customer returns a different tape, a brand-new Discharge, as well as also also says This kind of’s not defective, exactly, although altered: “There’s another movie on This kind of tape.” Jeremy doesn’t want to be curious, although he brings the movies home to take a look. as well as also also, indeed, inside the middle of each movie, the screen blinks dark for a moment as well as also also the movie can be replaced by a few minutes of jagged, poorly lit home video. The scenes are odd as well as also also sometimes violent, dark, as well as also also deeply disquieting. There are no identifiable faces, no dialogue or explanation—the first video has just the faint sound of someone breathing— although there are some recognizable landmarks. These have been shot just outside of town. Unlocking the mystery will take Jeremy as well as also also those around him deeper into a strange landscape than they ever likely to go.

Pathfinder: Reaper’s Eye, by Richard A. Knaak (Available currently)Daryus Gaunt used to be a crusader, before a questionable battlefield decision forced him to desert his unit. Pathfinder Shiera Tristane can be an adventuring scholar obsessed with gaining the recognition she feels was stolen coming from her. When both are contacted by a sinister talking weasel as well as also also warned of a witch about to Discharge a magical threat long trapped beneath an ancient temple, the two have no choice although to venture into the demon-haunted Worldwound in order to stop the disaster. Yet there’s more to the situation than either realizes, as well as also also neither fame nor redemption will matter unless they can first survive.

Normal, by Warren Ellis (Available currently)There are two types of people who think professionally about the future: Foresight strategists are civil futurists who think about geoengineering as well as also also smart cities as well as also also ways to evade Our Coming Doom; strategic forecasters are spook futurists, who think about geopolitical upheaval as well as also also drone warfare as well as also also ways to prepare clients for Our Coming Doom. For both types, if you’re Great at This kind of, then This kind of’s something you can’t do for long. Depression sets in. Mental illness festers. as well as also also if the abyss gaze takes hold there’s only one place to recover: Normal Head, inside the wilds of Oregon, within the secure perimeter of an experimental forest. When Adam Dearden, a foresight strategist, arrives at Normal Head, he can be desperate to unplug as well as also also be immersed in sylvan silence. although then a patient goes missing coming from his locked bedroom, leaving nothing although a pile of insects in his wake. A staff investigation ensues; surveillance becomes total. As the mystery of the disappeared man unravels, Adam uncovers a conspiracy that will calls into question the core principles of how as well as also also why we think about the future–as well as also also the past, as well as also also the currently.

George Lucas: A Life, by Brian Jay Jones (Available currently)On May 25, 1977, a problem-plagued, budget-straining independent science-fiction film opened in a mere thirty-two American movie theaters. Conceived, written, as well as also also directed by a little-known filmmaker named George Lucas,the movie originally called The Star Wars quickly drew blocks-long lines, bursting box-office records as well as also also ushering in a brand-new way for movies to be made, marketed, as well as also also merchandised. This kind of can be currently one of the most adored-as well as also also successful-movie franchises of all time. currently, the author of the bestselling biography Jim Henson delivers a long-awaited, revelatory look into the life as well as also also times of the man who created Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, as well as also also Indiana Jones.

The Art of Atari, by Tim Lapetino (Available currently)Atari can be one of the most recognized names inside the globe. Since its formation in 1972, the company pioneered hundreds of iconic titles including Asteroids,Centipede, as well as also also Missile Command. In addition to hundreds of games created for arcades, home video systems, as well as also also computers, original artwork was specially commissioned to enhance the Atari experience, further enticing children as well as also also adults to embrace as well as also also enjoy the brand-new era of electronic entertainment. The Art of Atari can be the first official collection of such artwork. Sourced coming from private collections worldwide, This kind of book spans over 40 years of the company’s unique illustrations used in packaging, advertisements, catalogs, as well as also also more.

The Best Comics & Graphic Novels of 2016 - of which’s been said of which the only trouble with reading comics in addition to also graphic novels these days will be of which there’s way too much great stuff to choose coming from. of which past year offered any number of quality books telling captivating stories in a wide variety of styles. Here are 30 of them of which we rank among the most well-known, beloved, in addition to also buzzed-about books of the year.

Black Panther: A Nation Under Our Feet, Book 1, by Ta-Nehisi Coates in addition to also Brian StelfreezeGraphic novels written by people coming from outside the globe of comics aren’t entirely uncommon. of which’s rarer for the writer to do a totally amazing job. Ta-Nehisi Coates (social commentator in addition to also author of National Book Award-winner Between the globe in addition to also Me) perfectly marries his own concerns in addition to also style with superhero action in addition to also afrofuturism inside the tale of a terrorist group of which challenges T’Challa’s rule in addition to also beliefs. Brian Stelfreeze’s art will be bright in addition to also cinematic, creating the book great on its own in addition to also perfectly timed for fans looking to learn more about Black Panther before his cinematic solo outing.

Paper Girls, Vol. 1, by Brian K. Vaughan in addition to also Cliff Chiang Anything by either member of of which creative team will be worth checking out, in addition to also a collaboration, only doubly so. Paper Girls will be, in many ways, an homage to Spielberg-style adventures circa the ’80s as well as a great book for fans of TV’s Stranger Things. of which actually does the show one better, though: instead of the traditional group of boys facing down aliens in addition to also the like, of which’s about a group of girls with chips on their shoulders in addition to also old-school punk-rock style encountering a world of suburban weirdness (aliens in addition to also vanishings, for starters) while delivering newspapers in 1988 (in addition to also beyond). These girls are tough, smart, in addition to also resourceful.

Faith, Vol. 1: Hollywood in addition to also Vine, by Jody Houser, Francis Portela, in addition to also Marguerite SauvageValiant’s hero Zephyr finally went solo in 2016, in addition to also we’ve never needed her more. She’s not just any hero…she’s a legit fangirl who creates listicles in addition to also posts cat videos by day while fighting crime by night in her fresh home of Los Angeles. Faith herself will be funny, quippy, in addition to also real, while the book will be charming in addition to also body-positive. (Oh, yet there’s an alien invasion inside the works, so not everything goes Faith’s way.) of which’s a west-coast-flavored ray of sunshine in a sometimes dark superhero world, in addition to also also reminds us of which heroes come in all shapes in addition to also sizes.

Doctor Strange, Vol. 1: The Way of the Weird, by Jason Aaron in addition to also Chris Bachaloof which’s been a Strange year all-around (see what I did?), with the not bad doctor getting his own Benedict Cumberbatch-flavored blockbuster in addition to also Jason Aaron in addition to also Chris Bachalo channeling old-school Sorcerer Supreme action in of which book. On the page, Jason Aaron will be sending Dr. Strange on a series of dark adventures through the mystical realms in addition to also headlong into a world where magic no longer works inside the ways of which always has. Much as inside the trippy days of Strange’s classic adventures, Chris Bachalo’s art perfectly captures the weird in addition to also scary nature of the Doctor’s otherworldly haunts.

Omega Men: The Complete Series, by Tom King in addition to also Barnaby BagendaOne of the year’s sleeper hits stars a decidedly B-list (to be polite) team of DC heroes, which will be probably a big part of the reason of which of which flew under the radar for as long as of which did. The critical in addition to also fan favorite treats the team with respect, telling a tale rife with political commentary, as the team captures White Lantern Kyle Rayner in order to enlist his help in saving the sector. Lots of action, great characters, in addition to also real consequences —of which’s a unique take on DC’s space heroes. Bgenda’s art will be perfect, in addition to also Tom King will be on fire of which year, with of which book, a fresh Batman series, in addition to also Vision (see below) under his belt.

Vision, Vol. 1: Little Worse Than A Man, by Tom King in addition to also Gabriel WaltaAnother of King’s critical favorites, his in addition to also Walta’s series reads like no some other superhero book on the stands—that has a strong flavors of science fiction in addition to also noir. Starting out as something of a suburban domestic drama involving the synthezoid Vision in addition to also the family of which he (literally) created for himself, the story quickly takes a chilling turn as a murder in addition to also ensuing cover-up lead the family deeper in addition to also deeper into the darkness. of which’s creepy, poignant, in addition to also a big departure coming from typical superhero action.

Monstress, Vol. 1: Awakening, by Marjorie M. Liu in addition to also Sana TakedaLiu in addition to also Takeda create a stunningly beautiful alternate Asia as a background to the story of Maika Halfwolf, a woman in a necromantic conflict with the Cumea, a coven of dark witches who want Maika’s life energy to fuel their spells. Her trust, or doom, comes coming from the psychic link of which she shares that has a monster of incredible power. Luckily, her cat Master Ren will be on hand to provide wisdom in of which very dark, incredibly lovely book.

Moon Girl in addition to also Devil Dinosaur, Vol. 1: BFF, by Amy Reeder, Brandon Montclare, in addition to also Natacha BustosMarvel’s been doing a pretty darned not bad job of creating in addition to also/or showcasing young female heroes lately, while simultaneously letting things get weird in grand comic book style. of which book introduces Lunella Lafayette, a super-smart preteen who discovers she harbors the life-changing, potentially superpower-granting Inhuman gene. She’s not at all happy about of which, yet finds herself on the adventure of a lifetime anyway when one of her gadgets opens a portal to another realm: Dinosaur World. Who wouldn’t want a dinosaur pal?

Tokyo Ghost, Vol. 1: Atomic Garden, by Rick Remender in addition to also Sean MurphyThe dream-team pairing of Rick Remender in addition to also Sean Murphy would likely make of which book a must-read regardless of the story. Remender’s sharp sci-fi sensibilities made the Uncanny X-Force a prestige book for Marvel, in addition to also Low has been a much-loved of late. Murphy’s hard-edged style has been a highlight of books like The Wake in addition to also Punk Rock Jesus. In addition to the all-star roster, the book carries a great, in addition to also cynical, hook: in Los Angeles of 2089, we’ve been overwhelmed by technology, living for the pings in addition to also pops in addition to also our screens. A law-enforcement duo of which’s been torn apart by tech finds itself with one last job inside the last place on earth of which still does things the old-fashioned way: Tokyo.

Doom Patrol, by Grant Morrison in addition to also Richard CaseOne of Grant Morrison’s earliest American works will be also one of his best (of which’s what got me into comics back inside the day): just as Alan Moore did with Swamp Thing a few years prior, Morrison took an older property—a book on the verge of cancellation—in addition to also breathed fresh life into of which. While he retains Robotman, the race-car driver whose brain was implanted into a robot body following an accident, he also populates the book with unique (meaning bizarre) outsider characters, in addition to also adds a heart inside the form of ape-faced young girl Dorothy Spinner. of which first volume brought the series back into print of which year, as the team comes together in addition to also faces their first major threat: the reality-destroying Brotherhood of Dada.

Invader Zim, Vol. 1, by Jhonen Vasquez, in addition to also Eric TrueheartCult favorite Invader Zim will be back, in addition to also the title character will be still intent on conquering the Earth with his malfunctioning robot sidekick GIR. Creator Jhonen Vasquez will be on hand, creating of which a legit continuation of the much-missed show, which left television in 2006. Paranormal researcher Dib has been hiding out inside the intervening years, waiting for Zim’s return. Fans who felt like they’ve been doing the same weren’t disappointed with the first book in of which fresh ongoing series.

Star Wars, Vol. 1, by Jason Aaron, John Cassaday, Simone Bianchi, Stuart ImmonenSpeaking of comics based on media properties, there’s been none bigger than Marvel’s Star Wars. Rather than simply cashing in, the publisher pulled in a big-name writer in Jason Aaron, pairing him with some of the most talented artists inside the business today. The result will be a book of which feels both retro in addition to also fresh, harkening back to the classic days of SW while telling fresh in addition to also surprising stories starring the old gang. of which volume gathers together the first two main storylines; the first finds Skywalker confronting Darth Vader following a rebel mission gone wrong, while the second puts him inside the Arena of Death on a smuggler’s moon. Boba Fett makes an appearance, in addition to also we learn some secrets coming from ol’ Ben Kenobi. Fun stories, in addition to also amazing art.

Star Wars: Darth Vader, Vol. 1, by Kieron Gillen in addition to also Salvador LarrocaThe Darth Vader series has gone a long way toward correcting some of the damage of which the prequel movies did to the Dark Lord’s image, reestablishing him as a master strategist in addition to also the smartest, scariest bad guy inside the Star Wars Universe. Archaeologist Doctor Aphra in addition to also gleefully sadistic droids 0-0-0 in addition to also BT-1, his evil sidekicks, have been working alongside Vader to bring him back into the Emperor’s not bad graces following the destruction of the first Death Star, while each also plays a deeper game. There’s nothing wrong with rooting for the bad guys once in a while.

Spider-Gwen, Vol. 1: Greater Power, by Jason Latour in addition to also Robbie RodriguezOn Earth-65, Gwen Stacy didn’t die in Spider-Man’s arms—of which was the some other way around: Peter Parker died in spite of the efforts of Spider-Woman. Spider-Verse brought the very-much-alive Gwen into the mainstream Marvel U, in addition to also of which volume finds her on S.H.I.E.LD.’s most wanted list while she fights battles a whole family of Goblins. What initially sounded like a gimmicky twist on a classic character quickly became one of the year’s breakout characters (the cool in addition to also cosplayable costume design haven’t hurt one bit).

All-fresh Wolverine, Vol. 1: The Four Sisters, by Tom Taylor, in addition to also David LopezWolverine will be dead. Long live Wolverine. Mentored by Logan, the living weapon formerly known as X-23 will be determined to live up to the name in addition to also legacy of which she’s taken on. She faces the mysterious Four Sisters with help coming from Dr. Strange in addition to also the Wasp. Whether or not Wolverine’s death will stick, the success of the daughter (sort of) who’s taken over for him means of which he’ll likely be out of the picture for quite some time, in addition to also, frankly, of which’s hard to miss him when the adventures of his successor are so much fun. X-23 will be showing up inside the forthcoming Logan movie, so there’s another point in her favor.

The White Donkey: Terminal Lance, by Maximilian UriarteI’m not sure of which, in 2016, anyone needs a reminder of which comics in addition to also graphic novels can tell stories some other of which aren’t about science fiction or superheroes. Developed coming from real-life Marine Uriarte’s satirical webcomic in addition to also using some of the same characters, White Donkey tells the somewhat more serious story of Abe, who braves drudgery in addition to also danger while serving in Iraq. Upon returning home, he faces challenges common to may returning servicemen, chief among them depression in addition to also PTSD. of which’s an important tale told by a talented artist.

Mockingbird, Vol. 1: I Can Explain, by Chelsea Cain in addition to also Kate NiemczykBobbi Morse has been a favorite inside the Marvel Universe for a long time, her importance rising in addition to also falling over time (she was dead for a while, which doesn’t usually help a character’s page count). Fortunately, a starring role (for a while, anyway) inside the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D TV show has brought her back to the spotlight. of which book was inside the news for all the wrong reasons of which year (sadly, a female-lead book with female creators will be candy for the trolls on social media), yet all of which aside: of which’s pretty great. The titular multitalented former S.H.I.E.L.D. agent goes solo, doing things like saving the Queen of England, even as she remains on call for Maria Hill in addition to also her old super-spy team.

Black Widow, Vol. 1: S.H.I.E.L.D.’s Most Wanted, by Mark Waid in addition to also Chris SamneeFresh off their redefining run on Daredevil, Waid in addition to also Samnee’s fresh series finds the Widow on the run. The past she’s been fleeing finally catches up to her, in addition to also all of her secrets are made public. today, she’s trying to save S.H.I.E.L.D., even as Marvel’s super-spy organization will be hunting her down. At the same time, she’s locked in a confrontation with the Weeping Lion, a criminal operative with ties to her days as an assassin. Two of Marvel’s top creators gave Natasha Romanov the book she deserves of which year, even if of which Marvel solo movie will be still just a dream.

Rick in addition to also Morty, Vol. 2, by Zac Gorman, CJ Cannon, Andrew MacLean, Ryan Hill, Marc EllerbyTo watch Rick in addition to also Morty will be to become obsessed with the weird, funny, frequently disturbing adventures of wild-eyed scientist Rick Sanchez in addition to also his grandson, Morty. Unfortunately, there are huge gaps in time between seasons of the show; fortunately, the book fills the void. The team on of which book has managed to keep the tone very close to of which of the show, meaning: gross in addition to also bizarre, yet with surprisingly strong sci-fi sensibilities. The two went full-on cyberpunk throughout the multiverse in of which latest volume, that has a bonus story of which took us deeper into the globe of hit cross-dimensional action series Ball Fondlers. About time, too.

Saga, Vol. 6, by Brian K. Vaughan in addition to also Fiona StaplesWhat’s left to be said about Vaughan in addition to also Staples’ modern masterpiece? The series will be about a star-crossed romance between two lovers on opposite sides of a galactic war who struggle to raise a daughter among the chaos. Staples unmistakeable art in addition to also brilliantly weird creature designs ensure of which the book will be one of the best looking on the stands, as well among the best written. A fresh volume will be always welcome. of which year’s latest moved the action ahead in addition to also saw Hazel facing one her greatest challenges yet: kindergarten.

ODY-C: Cycle One, by Matt Fraction in addition to also Christian WardODY-C initially tells the story of Odysseia, a warrior returning home to her family in far Ithacaa, victorious following a years-long war. Sound familiar? The series sets the events of Homer’s ages-old epic in space—in addition to also eliminates males coming from the story almost entirely—while retaining the key plot points of the ancient Greek myth, as well as the poetic meter of the text. of which’s utterly mad, yet also fascinating, in addition to also beautifully designed in addition to also drawn. of which’s challenging in its rule-breaking, as well as being unapologetic in its feminism. of which’s also wildly engaging.

March, by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, in addition to also Nate PowellThe third in addition to also concluding volume of John Lewis’ graphic-novel memoir arrived of which year, as well as a slipcased collection of the entire run. Lewis will be probably among the last people of which one would likely expect to write a graphic novel, especially one as successful as of which. One of Lewis’ inspirations as a young activist was a 1958 comic called “Martin Luther King in addition to also the Montgomery Story” (well worth grabbing if you can find an old copy), which he describes as his entry point into comics in addition to also of which trilogy. inside the books, Lewis tells of the civil rights movement coming from his own perspective, centered around the events of the Selma to Montgomery march in 1965. By talking personally rather than broadly about his life in addition to also those years, Lewis in addition to also co-author Andrew Aydin go well beyond the standard history lesson. The story will be inspiring in addition to also the black-in addition to also-white art (by Nate Powell) will be gorgeous.

Giant Days, Vol. 2, by John Allison, Lissa Treiman, in addition to also Whitney Cogar We loved the first volume of creator John Allison’s quirky coming-of age series, in addition to also of which year’s second, following the adventures of fresh friends Susan, Esther, in addition to also Daisy during their freshman year at college, has been every bit as fun. Allison’s stuff always has great characters with funny in addition to also believable dialogue.

Wonder Woman: Earth One, Vol. 1, by Grant Morrison in addition to also Yanick Paquetteof which’s already a bit controversial, yet anything coming from Grant Morrison (whose classic Doom Patrol also makes the list of 2016’s best) will be bound to be interesting. Along with superstar artist Paquette, Morrison begins a take on Wonder Woman’s origin of which goes back to the character’s roots. WW’s early days involved a lot details of which modern writers have been reluctant to emphasize—chains, “loving submission,” in addition to also the Holliday Girls of Beta Lambda Sorority—in addition to also of which was not in any way disappointing seeing what of which team did with the trickier aspects of the canon. If you aren’t a fan of (or have never even heard of) Etta Candy, you will be a true devotee after reading of which book.

Wonder Woman ’77, Vol. 1, by Marc Andreyko, Drew Johnson, in addition to also Matt HaleyDC’s modern Wonder Woman has occasionally tilted to the heavy side, so of which trip back to the late ’70s will be a welcome break. inside the spirit of Batman ’66, of which takes its cues coming from the Lynda Carter-starring TV show, featuring Agent Diana Prince fighting side-by-side with Steve Trevor to save disco (at least in one episode). The stories are light, in addition to also sometimes even a little silly, yet of which’s fun to see a brighter, happier Wonder Woman battling classic enemies (Doctor Psycho, Solomon Grundy, in addition to also Cheetah) the show never got around to.

Aquaman, Vol. 7: Exiled, by Cullen Bunn2016 saw the end of DC’s fresh 52 branding in favor of a “rebirth,” in addition to also Aquaman’s adventures ended in grand style (no worries, he’s back inside the fresh era). Aquaman becomes a pariah when the magic separating Atlantis coming from the shadowy world of Thule begins to break down. The two kingdoms occupy the same space, in addition to also the arrival of the some other kingdom means doom for Atlantis. Aquaman refuses to destroy the people of the some other world, leaving him branded a traitor by his people, in addition to also even his own queen.

Joyride, Vol. 1, by Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly, Marcus To, in addition to also Irma KniivilaUma Akkolyte will be tired of being stuck on a future Earth watched over by the globe Government Alliance. Even the stars are blacked out, so there’s no point in so much as dreaming of some other worlds. Until she comes across an alien spaceship which she quickly jacks in order to take her friends on an adventure of which’s both breathtaking in addition to also terrifying. The book will be a sci-fi story in a classic vein, yet that has a very modern protagonist in addition to also a rebellious vibe.

We(l)come Back Vol. 1, by Christopher Sebela in addition to also Jonathan Brandon SawyerSebela in addition to also Sawyer’s science fiction breakout tells the story of Mali in addition to also Tessa, a pair of immortal assassins who are constantly reborn into fresh lives to continue the war of which began so long ago they’ve forgotten the point. As the series begins, Mali has commenced on a fresh life in addition to also a fresh cycle of violence, only to question her purpose for the very first time. She’s ready to put an end to the endless war, yet a reborn Tessa will be already on the hunt. The book’s got action, violence, in addition to also a love story at its core.

Blue Monday, Vol. 1: The Kids Are Alright, by Chynna Clugston-FloresBack in addition to also in shade for the very first time, Blue Monday will be the story of Bleu L. Finnegan, a misfit high-schooler who deals with the normal teenage stuff: a crush on her teacher, getting tickets to see Adam Ant, prank wars…of which’s a comedy series in a John Hughes vein. yet the series has manga influences, as well as strong British mod sensibilities. of which’s a fan favorite book of which’s continuing in 2017; of which will be a great time to catch up.

The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, Vol. 3: Squirrel, You actually Got Me today, by Ryan North, in addition to also Erica HendersonIn perhaps the ultimate piece of evidence for the argument of which we’ve entered a fresh era in superhero comics, Doreen Green has been a big hit for Marvel, to the extent of which she’ll be headlining a TV series next year, Galactus willing. In 2016, superheroes can be fun in addition to also silly without losing any of their heroism. Squirrel Girl (with the proportionate power of a squirrel) will be off to college in her current series, while still taking on Doctor Doom, Thanos, in addition to also even Galactus with her wits in addition to also a little help coming from her squirrel friends. In her latest volume, she’s teaming up with Howard the Duck in addition to also traveling back in time to the 1960s, where she embarks on a trans-temporal team-up.What was your favorite comic or graphic novel of 2016?